Home»Gallery»Portola Valley Ranch, Windy Hill, Etc.»9/15/2020 Fledgling Western Bluebirds Leave the Nest and Take a Bath

A blessing* of fledgling bluebirds has brightened our days recently. **The youngsters poured out of the nest box, testing their new wings. Mama showed them to the water dish nearby. A new experience, a way to clean off after being in that dark place for their whole hungry lives.

After a bath, time to go back home. But how do you get back through that small hole? This is really hard. The other three flap around, anxious to get back home as well.

Finally! One made it back through the tiny hole. But... this doesn't feel right. I wonder where Mama is? What should I do now? Maybe I'll go out again and see what the world is like...

They gradually get used to the Big World. Continue to bathe and drink in the water dish on our deck. One makes it across the street to the Frog Pond. I take some photos through two panes of glass again, ten days later. The quality goes down in the afternoon, with sunlight on the glass and this side of the birds in shadow. I do see four birds in the water together, but don't manage to capture a photo worthy of sharing.

* I couldn't find a generally-accepted collective noun for bluebirds; I like this suggestion by VivianLawry.com.

**I don't really know what is in their minds or intentions, so I am just making things up. Bear with me, or make up your own story to go with the photos. And do enjoy this blessing in a difficult time!